One of the new advertising billboards for the Chicago Cubs is a simple saying: "Not if. When." Although this is a clever campaign that will give fans hope, there should probably be a question mark at the end of the second sentence. Despite losing over 100 games in 2012, there is plenty of optimism in Wrigleyville. Second-year GM Theo Epstein has replenished the team's minor league system by bringing in prospects Albert Almora and Jorge Soler, who could be up in the majors in a couple of years.These prospects, along with the young nucleus of shortstop Starlin Castro and first baseman Anthony Rizzo, have Cubs fans buzzing ...

Like a six-year-old on Christmas Eve, America is on the edge of its seat in anticipation for the official start of the 2013 MLB season. The Cubs open up the 2013 season with a series against the division rival Pirates. Let's take a look at the best potential lineup for the 2013 Chicago Cubs.Begin Slideshow

With a new front office in place, the Cubs began a full-scale rebuilding last season, and the short-term results were tough to swallow. The team lost 101 games, the Cubs' worst season since going 59-103 back in 1966, but beneath that dreadful record is a franchise heading in the right direction.The farm system has already been vastly improved and should continue to get better as the team deals more veteran pieces. As it stands, guys like Starlin Castro, Anthony Rizzo and Jeff Samardzija are solid pieces to build around, the team's offseason was spent bringing aboard stopgap options to make the team ...

In their final go around at Hohokam Park, the Cubs brought along some of their best prospects to spring training. They ranged from guys who are more MLB ready like Arodys Vizcaino and Brett Jackson to players who will be spending more time in the minors such as Javier Baez and Jorge Soler. Some had disappointing springs while others made observers take notice. The following is a review of how well the top five of the Cubs’ top-10 best prospects did at spring training.Begin Slideshow

Picture this: You hop on the CTA Red Line. As you bounce and wind through the streets of Chicago on the elevated train, your heart begins to race as the anticipation of going to the Cubs game grows exponentially with every building you pass. You stop at Wilson, then Lawrence, then Sheridan. Addison is next. Unfortunately, you're not getting off at Addison. In fact, you're not even going to Wrigley Field for the game.You're going to Rosemont. Over a dozen stops remain, including a switch to Blue Line. Traffic on the Kennedy is packed, and very few buses are available for the ...

We're officially one week from Opening Day, when the Cubs will kick off the season against the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 1.Coming off a 101-loss season and continuing with the rebuilding process, it may be another long season in Chicago. However, it was a busy offseason for the North Siders. If nothing else, there are some new faces to look forward to seeing on Cubbie blue.Here is a look at my final predictions for the team's Opening Day 25-man roster, as well as a breakdown of the players making up the team. Starting Pitchers (5)RHP Jeff SamardzijaRHP Edwin JacksonRHP Scott FeldmanLHP ...

The Chicago Cubs are less than two weeks form kicking off the 2013 MLB season, and despite a busy offseason, it could be a trying campaign for the Northsiders once again.Last year, the club suffered through a 101-loss season, and as the Cubs continue to rebuild the organization from the ground up, they are again expected to struggle.As the roster begins to take shape this spring, there are still a handful of spots up for grabs. Here is a look at my predictions for who will win the remaining open spots on the Opening Day roster, as well as who ...

Brace yourself Cubs fans. You might want to make sure you're seated for this one.The Chicago Sun-Times reported on Tuesday that Alderman Tom Tunney of the 44th Ward suggested to the Cubs that they remove the iconic manual green scoreboard in center field. Its replacement? A video board, as large as the Cubs want it to be.Wrigley Field lies in the heart of the 44th Ward. According to the article, Tunney has made this suggestion repeatedly to the Cubs, and is against any sort of signage which would block the views from the rooftops across the street.The scoreboard is one of the ...

Only 11 games remain in the Cubs' 2013 spring training season, including a split-squad meeting versus the Mariners on Thursday. Some have impressed, some have disappointed and some have done nothing at all.With the regular season almost upon us, we look at which players will be the hardest for the Cubs to cut or demote.Begin Slideshow

It has already been decided that Javier Baez will not break camp as part of the major league roster. Also, Theo Epstein previously stated the organization wants its best prospects to spend at least one full season at the Triple-A level. But compare the spring training numbers of Javier Baez to those of the player considered to be the best prospect in all of baseball—by ESPN, Baseball America, Baseball Prospectus and MLB—Jurickson Profar. In 14 spring games, Javy has a stat line of .324/.343/.706 with four home runs and eight RBI—plus an additional two home runs in an exhibition game against Japan’s ...